Vintage Middle Eastern Style Repousse Brass/Gold-Wash Bowl
Bowl / Vessel · Yellow tone; likely a copper-zinc alloy (brass) that mimics the warm hue of 18K-22K yellow gold.
Purity: Non-solid; visual evidence suggests brass or gold-plated/gold-wash alloy. Solid gold in this size and thickness would be cost-prohibitive for common household items.
Type
Bowl / Vessel
Purity
Non-solid; visual evidence suggests brass or gold-plated/gold-wash alloy. Solid gold in this size and thickness would be cost-prohibitive for common household items.
Gold Type
Yellow tone; likely a copper-zinc alloy (brass) that mimics the warm hue of 18K-22K yellow gold.
Weight
Estimated 150-300 grams depending on wall thickness. If solid gold, this would exceed 1 kilogram; its current appearance suggests a lighter base metal.
Description
A decorative hemispherical bowl featuring traditional hand-chased and repousse ornamentation. The exterior is adorned with geometric and stylized floral or architectural patterns. It exhibits a deep golden luster typical of polished brass or gold-plated copper-alloy wares.
Key Features
Hand-hammered texture, high-relief chasing (repousse), and a flat circular base. The repetitive dot-and-line patterns are diagnostic of regional artisanal craft.
Color & Finish
Warm, brassy yellow with a matte/oxidized finish. Significant patina, surface scratches, and 'brassing' (wear-through) where darker metal or oxidation is visible.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or purity stamps on the exterior base. Likely contains no official stamps or may have small maker marks on the inner rim or bottom not seen here.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 5 to 7 inches in diameter; 2 to 3 inches in height. Standard decorative bowl size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The decorative elements are purely structural through metalwork.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable for a stationary vessel.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the item features a solid, hand-hammered or cast circular rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-chased and punched decoration. The symmetry is slightly irregular, indicating a hand-made or hand-finished process rather than a high-precision industrial press.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: uneven color (spots of pink/brown oxidation), visual weight appears 'light' for the volume, and lack of clear karat stamps. Gold-colored base metals like brass are the standard for this category.
Origin & Maker
Middle East or South Asia (possibly Egypt, Iran, or India). Common in bazaar markets and 'Orientalist' export trade.
Era & Period
Likely mid-20th century (1940s-1970s) souvenir or export ware, reflecting traditional Islamic or Indo-Persian design motifs.
Age Estimate
Approximately 40-70 years old based on the wear patterns, oxidation, and style of the chasing work.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long tradition of metalworking in Islamic art, where luxury items were crafted to beautify a home while adhering to cultural aesthetic standards of geometric symmetry.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface oxidation (greenish verdigris starting in crevices), minor dents, and significant surface scratches consistent with use as a decorative or utility piece.
Value Estimate
$20 - $75 USD as a vintage decorative object. If it were solid 18K gold of this size, the melt value would exceed $50,000; however, this is valued for its vintage aesthetic rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. If brass, use a dedicated metal polish to restore shine. Avoid abrasive pads which will strip any gold-wash or plating.
Similar Items
Solid 22K Gold Thai or Indian bowls (rare and extremely heavy), copper-core Gold Vermeil vessels, or modern sand-cast brass reproductions.
Interesting Facts
Items like these were often called 'Bazar Gold' in the mid-century, frequently sold to travelers and often made of high-quality brass that could be polished to look like 22K gold.